MPP Scott shows her support for food security, basic income

Member of Provincial Parliament Laurie Scott lent her support to the issue of food insecurity today, as well as Lindsay’s basic income pilot.

Dubbed the ‘great MPP food sort,’ Scott dropped by Kawartha Lakes Food Source to support the Ontario Association of Food Banks and Hunger Awareness Week.

“We chatted about our local need here in the City of Kawartha Lakes,” says Heather Kirby, general manager of Kawartha Lakes Food Source, as well as “the basic income guarantee and Lindsay being a pilot location.”

Kirby says they also talked about the need for affordable housing and child care in Kawartha Lakes, and the barriers of transportation for the working poor.

In a recent interview with The Lindsay Advocate, Scott said she was “glad Lindsay was chosen” and that she welcomes the basic income pilot to town.

A basic income ensures everyone an income sufficient to meet basic needs and live with dignity, regardless of work status. The three-year study that Lindsay was chosen for will test how a basic income might expand opportunities and job prospects for those living on low incomes, while providing greater security for them and their families. About 10 per cent of Lindsay residents will receive a basic income guarantee.

“If you can lift people up, be it through a job, or in this case basic income, I’m sure their health will improve,” Scott said.

The Ontario Basic Income Pilot group will host a booth at the Lindsay Central Exhibition to provide more information to town residents.

As well, TVO’s flagship show, The Agenda, with host Steve Paikin, will roll into Lindsay on Tuesday to film a special episode built around the town’s basic income pilot.